Just wondering, is there an advantage to using nitrogen to inflate the
them? It is now being used for tires the molecules are larger than
oxygen and so the pressure stays up longer and it does not hold moisture
(so rot is lessened). It might be worth it for a conservator to look
into it.

Scott


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Marc A Williams
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] preserving PVC toys

I am not an expert with PVC, but with that caveat, I'll put my 2 cents
in the ring.

If you do not at least slightly inflate them, they will become too
brittle with time to ever inflate, thus will be essentially
uninterperatable. 
Keeping them inflated may require periodic introduction of air.  Most
plastics are slightly permeable (yes, even Plexiglas), but very slowly. 
However, over years/decades, air probably will be lost.

I would think that zip-lock type plastic bags may be better than boxes. 
Boxes are not even close to air-tight, and any volatiles given off by
the PVC may be able to leave the boxes and affect other objects.  The
scavengers may or may not get them first.  Second, you can see the
Dalmatians without having to open the box/bag, which will release
anything inside.

I don't know the full pluses or minuses of the zeolites or scavengers
with PVC.  My gut says it is good to use them, but I would double-check
this.

Degradation of PVC should be slowed by colder temperatures.  The general
rule is half the deterioration for every 10 degree C (18 degree F)
temperature drop.  Thus, 1/2 the speed of deterioration at 54 degrees as
at
72 degrees, 1/4 at 36 degrees, and so on.  Thus, cold storage may be
best, but again, I would verify this with a specialist if possible.

Hope this helps!

Marc

American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
     4 Rockville Road
     Broad Brook, CT 06016
     www.conservator.com
     860-386-6058

*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Low-Tech Environmental Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Conservation Treatment of:
     Furniture
     Painted Wood
     Horse-Drawn Vehicles
     Architectural Interiors

Marc A. Williams, President
     MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
     Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
     Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ariel Weinberg" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 3:15 PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] preserving PVC toys


> Hi, folks,
>
> We recently accessioned two inflatable PVC Dalmatians, which I have
been 
> tasked with packaging for storage.  Bearing in mind that PVC is 
> inherently unstable over the long term, what is the best way to
package 
> them both to preserve the dalmatians as long as possible and  to
protect 
> other objects stored nearby from damage?
>
> - inflated or deflated?
> - wrapped or unwrapped?
> - in paper or plastic containers?
>
> My current plan, based on a variety of reading and research (green-
eared 
> Barbies, etc), is to keep them inflated, enclose them in  archival
Paige 
> boxes, and put zeoliites or other scavengers in the  box, and of
course 
> keeping them in climate-controlled (to the best of  our ability)
storage.
>
> Any other suggestions or experiences would be welcomed!
>
> Thank you,
>
> Ariel Weinberg
> Assistant to the Curator of Science & Technology
>
> MIT Museum, Building N52
> 265 Massachusetts Avenue
> Cambridge MA 02139-4307
> tel: 617-253-3378   fax: 617-253-8994
> http://web.mit.edu/museum
>
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